Week 16 NFL schedule: All three games are big

The NFL has a pretty important slate of games in the 1:05/1:25 p.m. PT time slot. Each game has different reasons for importance, but they are all important in one way or another. The three games are Giants-Rams, Bills-Raiders and Colts-Cowboys, with the first kicking off at 1:05, and the latter two kicking off at 1:25.

The Giants-Rams game features draft pick implications, as well as 49ers scheduling implications. If the Rams win, they will improve to 7-8, and move into a tie with the 49ers. The 49ers and Rams split the season series, so for purposes of divisional standing, division record would be the next tiebreaker. The Rams are 2-3, while the 49ers are 1-4. That could change next week with the 49ers hosting the Cardinals, and the Rams traveling to face the Seahawks. For purposes of scheduling, if the 49ers finish in third, they would face the third place team from the NFC South and NFC East. If they finish in fourth, they would face the fourth place team. For draft pick implications, it all comes down to strength of schedule when teams are tied.

Bills-Raiders is huge for Buffalo's playoff chances. They are in a must-win situation, although their entire situation depends on how the rest of the AFC shakes out on Sunday and Monday. The Raiders are still in the hunt for the No. 1 draft pick, so a loss would be big for them.

Colts-Cowboys is big for the Cowboys playoff situation. The Colts were swept by the Patriots and Broncos, so they would need to finish completely clear of them to get a bye. Odds are pretty good the Colts are locked in at either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed. For the Cowboys, a win clinches them the NFC East following the Eagles Saturday loss.